Luke 14:4
And they held their peace. And he took him, and healed him, and let him go;
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
That the Pharisees remained silent rather than affirming healing's lawfulness reveals their hard hearts. They knew Scripture taught God's compassion (Hosea 6:6, Micah 6:6-8), yet their traditions had obscured this truth. Jesus' touch was significant—He wasn't afraid of ritual defilement, and His holiness purified rather than being contaminated. The healing validated Jesus' authority and exposed the Pharisees' spiritual bankruptcy. This pattern—Jesus healing, opponents silenced but still hostile—characterized much of His ministry and foreshadowed His ultimate rejection.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the Pharisees' silence reveal about conscience when tradition contradicts truth?
- How does Jesus' immediate action after their silence model decisive obedience to God's will?
- In what ways does this healing demonstrate that true religion serves human flourishing rather than restricting it?
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Analysis & Commentary
The response: 'And they held their peace. And he took him, and healed him, and let him go.' The phrase 'they held their peace' (ἡσύχασαν, hēsychasan) indicates silence—they couldn't answer without self-incrimination. Their silence gave implicit permission, so Jesus 'took him' (ἐπιλαβόμενος, epilabomenos, took hold of), 'healed him' (ἰάσατο, iasato), and 'let him go' (ἀπέλυσεν, apelysen, released/sent away). The swift action prevented objection. Jesus healed by touch, demonstrating His power and compassion. The man's immediate departure suggests complete healing and perhaps wisdom to leave before controversy erupted. Jesus showed that mercy takes priority over tradition.